News / National
BCC waives Bosso's $890 Stadium hire fee shortfall
06 Dec 2024 at 08:25hrs | Views
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has agreed to waive a US$890.11 shortfall in stadium hire fees owed by Highlanders FC. This decision follows the club's request for leniency after an unprecedented supporter boycott significantly reduced ticket sales during their October 6 match against ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium.
The match drew only 1,314 spectators, raising US$604.89 against the prescribed stadium hire fee of US$1,495, leaving a shortfall. Highlanders wrote to the council explaining the financial strain caused by the boycott.
"We respectfully request a waiver of this outstanding amount due to extraordinary circumstances that led to our supporters' unplanned boycott of the match. This unprecedented event significantly reduced attendance, resulting in a shortfall in ticket revenues, which would have covered the stadia hire fees under typical circumstances," read the club's letter.
In their deliberations, the council noted Highlanders' longstanding contribution as a key stakeholder and ambassador for Bulawayo. The team's activities, particularly on match days, were acknowledged to have significant economic ripple effects in the city, benefiting sectors such as transport, retail, and entertainment.
The council minutes highlighted that the ZPC Kariba match was an anomaly in an otherwise consistent season for Highlanders' financial contributions. Over six home games, the team generated a total of US$16,479.29 in stadium hire fees for the council.
"The role that the team had played in the city could not be overemphasized as they had been good ambassadors. The team had placed the city and nation on the global sporting map," the minutes stated.
The council resolved to approve Highlanders' waiver request, citing the exceptional circumstances and the team's importance to the city's cultural and economic fabric.
This decision reinforces the collaborative relationship between BCC and Highlanders, ensuring the team remains financially stable and continues to serve as a source of pride and economic activity for Bulawayo.
The match drew only 1,314 spectators, raising US$604.89 against the prescribed stadium hire fee of US$1,495, leaving a shortfall. Highlanders wrote to the council explaining the financial strain caused by the boycott.
"We respectfully request a waiver of this outstanding amount due to extraordinary circumstances that led to our supporters' unplanned boycott of the match. This unprecedented event significantly reduced attendance, resulting in a shortfall in ticket revenues, which would have covered the stadia hire fees under typical circumstances," read the club's letter.
In their deliberations, the council noted Highlanders' longstanding contribution as a key stakeholder and ambassador for Bulawayo. The team's activities, particularly on match days, were acknowledged to have significant economic ripple effects in the city, benefiting sectors such as transport, retail, and entertainment.
"The role that the team had played in the city could not be overemphasized as they had been good ambassadors. The team had placed the city and nation on the global sporting map," the minutes stated.
The council resolved to approve Highlanders' waiver request, citing the exceptional circumstances and the team's importance to the city's cultural and economic fabric.
This decision reinforces the collaborative relationship between BCC and Highlanders, ensuring the team remains financially stable and continues to serve as a source of pride and economic activity for Bulawayo.
Source - The Chronicle
